With this in mind, we’ve chosen destinations in the UK, France and Germany where you can take in the local surroundings while relaxing at one of Marriott International’s many hotels.
Why book a Marriott hotel?
Marriott is more than a hotel: it’s an experience, with decades of history. The company was founded in 1927 as a root beer franchise in Washington DC, which then branched into food. In 1937 the company moved into inflight catering and by 1957 opened its first hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Today there are thirty brands in the group with 8488 hotels in 139 countries and counting. And yes, there is much to explore.
Marriott’s values
Putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity are all at the centre of what Marriott International stands for, with its proud history and thriving culture. Its sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, ensures that there is a positive and sustainable impact wherever the group does business.
The brands
You might think Marriott hotels as corporate and bland geared towards the business traveller, but this is not the case with the thirty eclectic brands in its portfolio. Marriott caters to the needs of the modern traveller whatever their requirements might be from high-end with Ritz-Carlton and The Luxury Collection, a selection of the world's most iconic hotels that truly define their destinations to Courtyard Hotels, with environments that inspire creativity and foster connections.
France
Paris
If you fancy living it up a little, Paris has to be at the top of your list. It certainly is on ours. From shopping to culture and fine dining, it’s always worth splurging on a visit to the city of love.
Where to stay
The Prince de Galles
We’ve gone for full-on glamour for a trip to Paris, choosing The Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel with a history dating back to 1929. Expect 5-star service and Art Deco chic. The hotel is situated on Avenue George V, close to the Champs-Elysées, luxury boutiques, the languid beauty of the Seine and legendary landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe. Many of the rooms offer sweeping views of the Paris skyline. Find out more here.
What to do
Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d'Orsay is a museum on the Left Bank of the Seine, housed in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. The museum’s collection is mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography.
Musée Nissim de Camondo
If you’ve read Edmund de Waal's Letters to Camondo, be sure to visit Musée Nissim de Camondo, an historic house museum of French decorative arts located on the edge of Parc Monceau. Through its delightful courtyard, you’ll find an exquisite collection of fine art, commemorating the museum’s namesake, who died aged twenty-five fighting for France in the First World War. Further tragedy unfolded during the Second World War, when Béatrice de Camondo, the founder's daughter, her husband Léon Reinach, and their two children were murdered at Auschwitz.
Where to eat
Silencio des Prés
This hip restaurant in Saint-Germain-des-Prés leads under the direction of celebrated chef Guillaume Sanchez. Order a croque monsieur, mushroom ravioli or opt for the sharing plates that are stylishly presented and delicious. We should mention the legendary St Honoré caramel too. It’s all very on trend and where the locals eat, so you know it must be good.
Bordeaux
Synonymous with wine, the southwestern city of Bordeaux is full of attractions that appeal to all kind of tourists.
Where to stay
Moxy Bordeaux
If you want to have some fun, book Moxy Bordeaux, a brand-new lifestyle hotel in Bordeaux’s lively harbour district, close to the river front and the city’s top attractions. Bedrooms are comfortable and tech-savvy, with furiously fast Wi-Fi. The microforest terrace beside the historic silos buzzes with energy and is the perfect place to meet friends at the end of the day (or is it the beginning?) #atthemoxy. Find out more here.
What to do
La Cité du Vin
This ultra-modern cultural centre is a celebration of wine, a high-tech museum teaching you about the history of wine, where and how it’s made around the world. It’s easy to spend a day here exploring this 3,000-square-metre building, with its 55-metre tower. Finish your visit with a visit to the Belvedere Bar where you can pair a glass of wine with equally stunning views of Bordeaux and the Garonne.
Miroir d'eau
You'll find the world's largest reflecting pool here. Just an inch deep, this is the most photographed location in the city's Port de la Lune, reflecting the image of the majestic Place de la Bourse.
Where to eat
Le Charabia
Bordeaux’s food scene has a big reputation, with its proximity to the sea and the superb terroir, local produce doesn’t get much better than this. This dream bistro brings all this to life, where regulars enjoy small plates of perfectly prepared food.
Reims
Reims is the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region. For more than 1,000 years, French kings were crowned at its Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims.
Where to stay
La Caserne Chanzy
La Caserne Chanzy is the perfect place to stay to soak up the richness of the region. Housed in a former fire station, the building is at the heart of the town, with a spell-binding view of the cathedral. Find out more here.
What to do
Palais du Tau
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palais du Tau is the former residence of the Archbishop of Reims and served as a place for French kings to host post coronation banquets. Today the Palais is a museum boasting religious relics from the cathedral and a collection of tapestries and statues.
Visit a vineyard
A visit to Reims wouldn’t be complete without visiting a vineyard and there are many to choose from. Canard-Duchêne is only twenty minutes from the city centre and you can enjoy a unique tour of the vineyards and explore some of its underground cellars. Make sure you wear sensible shoes on the tour.
Where to eat
À L’Ére du Temps
If you have a penchant for crêpes, book a table at this charming creperie, a few minutes’ walk north of Place de la République where you’ll be spoilt by savoury and sweet pancakes and buckwheat galettes. The set menu lunch is very reasonably priced.
Germany
Munich
Munich, Bavaria’s capital, is home to historic buildings and countless museums. With its famous annual Oktoberfest and beer halls, this is a city steeped in history and tradition that is also moving forward, offering a vibrant cultural scene.
Where to stay
Le Méridien Munich
Le Méridien Munich is a family-friendly design hotel offering all the old-world flair one expects from a charming European hotel, combined with modern amenities, including a spa, a tranquil place to reinvigorate at the end of a busy day. The main train station is in the immediate vicinity and connects you to the Bavarian countryside, lakes and mountains. Find out more here.
What to do
The English Garden
The English Garden is a 900-acre park that stretches from the middle of the city to the suburbs. Head to the Monopteros on the hill, where you’ll get a great view, especially at sunset. There is a Japanese teahouse where you can partake in tea ceremonies or if you want a beer, there are two beer gardens.
Viktualienmarkt
The city’s oldest farmers’ market is a good pitstop if you’re in the middle of touring the city centre. Stallholders offer a wide range of German delicacies from Monday to Saturday.
Where to eat and drink beer
Hofbräuhaus
The 16th century Hofbräuhaus offers the quintessential German beer hall experience complete with live brass band, making it one of Munich’s most popular tourist attractions. Be prepared to wait to get a table but once seated, you’ll be rewarded handsomely not only with fine beer but also honest, homemade, Bavarian food sourced with produce from its own butcher, baker and confectionery.
Bremen
With a large port on the River Weser, this north German hanseatic city has played an important role in the country’s history and economy, with a rich maritime time past.
Where to stay
Bremen Courtyard Hotel
The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Bremen is situated next to the main railway station and a short walk from the city centre. The restored historical Lloyd building with original features has 155 guestrooms, plus the Lloyds Bar & Restaurant serving local fare along with American classics. It’s the ideal place to stay to explore the many historical and cultural highlights in Bremen. Find out more here.
What to do
Universum®
Take a journey of discovery into the world of science through over 300 exhibits exploring technology, humans and nature. There is also the Sky Window, a twenty-seven metre high tower offering great views of Bremen.
Town Hall
The Bremer Rathaus is one of the most iconic buildings in Germany, with a mix of Gothic and Renaissance design. Take an English tour to explore this fascinating building.
Where to eat and drink
Spitzen Gebel
This hostelry that dates back to the 1400s is the oldest in Bremen. Situated behind the main square, this famous public house serves Sluk ut de Lamp, a unique brand of Schnapps.
UK
Bristol
One of the coolest cities in the country with a thriving food scene, busy night life and much for the culture lover, a weekend here is always fulfilling.
Where to stay
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel is in the city centre and has been welcoming guests for more than 150 years. Beautiful bedrooms and suites feature stylish décor, coffee makers and flat-screen TVs and guests can enjoy the fitness centre. Find out more here.
What to do
The Wave Bristol
Not what you might expect to do on a weekend break, but The Wave is a ‘slice of the ocean inland’ where you can learn to surf. Have fun in the water, reconnect with nature and enjoy the onsite eateries.
Banksy Walking Tour
Enjoy a day of culture, Bristol style, with a self-guided walking tour through the city, taking in some of Banky’s artwork, and visiting the bars, cafés and restaurants the city has to offer.
University of Bristol Botanic Garden
Established in 1882, the university’s botanic garden is open seven days a week, with a mission to educate, communicate and conserve by telling the story of plants. It is also a wonderful refuge away from the bustle of the city for quiet meanderings among nature.
Where to eat
Flow
Bristol is at the forefront of the UK’s plant-based movement and, as Flow demonstrates, eschewing more fleshy delights need not be anything but wildly appealing and delicious. The restaurant is tiny; the food menu features such beauties as aubergine with sesame, pickled kohlrabi, tahini, peaches, slow cooked chard; and the drinks consist of biodynamic wines and local beers.
Liverpool
This port city is home to 2,500 listed buildings, the home of world-class music and some great museums.
Where to stay
Aloft Liverpool
Housed in a Grade II listed building, soak up the history of Liverpool in this hip hotel, close to the city’s top attractions. Aloft rooms are urban-inspired spaces featuring an ultra-comfortable, signature platform-bed, walk-in shower, custom amenities by Bliss Spa and more. The in-hotel restaurant, NYL is recommended in the Michelin Guide. With the upcoming Eurovision taking place in Liverpool, this city is going to get even busier. Find out more here.
What to do
Tate Liverpool
The northern home of Britain’s famous Tate Galleries is situated in a warehouse in Albert Dock. This historic building has been converted into a modern space showcasing the works of the likes of Lucian Freud and Louise Bourgeois.
The Beatles Story
A visit to Liverpool is incomplete without including the Beatles. This immersive experience will give you a taste of the swinging 60s, with replicas of The Cavern Club, The Casbah and Matthew Street. Browse Beatles memorabilia and enjoy interactive areas.
Where to eat
Panoramic 34
If you want a birds eye view of the city and great food to match (modern European), this is the restaurant for you. It’s 300 feet above sea level and is one of the UK’s highest restaurants.
Edinburgh
Visitors are attracted to Scotland's capital city year-round, with its narrow streets, grand buildings and vibrant cultural scene.
Where to stay
Residence Inn Edinburgh
Residence Inn Edinburgh is located in the heart of the city, making it the perfect place to explore. This aparthotel has spacious studios and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchenettes so you can live like a local with all the benefits of onsite housekeeping. Perfect if you’re visiting the Edinburgh Festival and are planning a slightly longer stay. Find out more here.
What to do
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh offers many attractions, which are all worth a detour but it’s the castle that dominates the city’s skyline. St Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving part of the castle and dates back to the 12th century.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Discover amazing artists at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Walk through galleries filled with the works of many major names in 20th-century painting, from German Expressionism to American Pop Art, plus an impressive collection of Scottish Colourists. Don’t miss the dramatic lawn at the front of Modern One, designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks.
Where to eat
Timberyard
If you like Scandi inspired food, head to this family-run restaurant housed in a warehouse dating back to the 19th century. The menu features seasonal and sustainable dishes, with many of the ingredients foraged outside the city.
By Team GWG
May 2023
In collaboration with Marriott Hotels
